Computer Security Anchors in Smart Grids: The Smart Metering Scenario and Challenges

The modern energy distribution grid is increasingly responsible for extensive selfmonitoring and load balancing, together with prompt failure response and small energy producer integration. In this scenario, where the grid doubles as a data transmission grid, commonly named smart grid, new information security challenges arise. In particular, providing confidential data transmission, privacy preserving metering and authentication for the metering software, emerge as key issues. In this chapter we will provide an overview of the security challenges of the smart metering scenario, highlighting both the security services to be guaranteed and their actors, and the ongoing standardization activities